Expect congestion on first post-summer commutes

Today is the first day after the Labor Day weekend, which generally portends heavier congestion on the region’s roads, trains and sidewalks. Everyone who was on vacation last week is likely back in town, while schools have resumed all across the region (today’s the first day of school in Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria).

The result: Any roads, trains or stations that saw less crowding over the summer will return to their pre-summer levels. And rain could soak the region later this afternoon and into the evening, which could slow the commute home. Be ready for a potentially slower commute.

In addition, since school resumes today in Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria, make sure to watch for additional traffic around schools in those areas and use caution around bus stops.

9:20 A.M. Update:

MARC riders: The southern end of the Martin Airport station platform will be taken out of service this morning for reconstruction. This work should be done on Thursday, if the weather cooperates, according to the Maryland Transportation Administration.

9:15 A.M. Update:

A disabled vehicle is blocking one of I-395’s reversible lanes at Seminary Road.

8:55 A.M. Update:

An accident on Chain Bridge Road/Ox Road/VA 123 at University Drive is blocking the right shoulder.

Beach Drive is fully open between Blagden Avenue and Joyce Road NW.

8:40 A.M. Update:

Police say that nothing was found on northbound DC-295 at Pennsylvania Avenue SE, where an accident was reported a short time ago.

MARC Penn Line train 421 is running 8 to 10 minutes late.

8:35 A.M. Update:

Remember, today is the first day after the Labor Day weekend. Everyone who was on vacation last week is likely back in town (and back on the roads, trains and sidewalks). As a result, we should be returning to pre-summer levels of congestion out there.

In addition, school resumes today in Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. Watch for additional traffic around schools in those areas and be careful around bus stops.

8:30 A.M. Update:

An accident on Old Keene Mill Road at Rolling Road is blocking the left lane.

8:15 A.M. Update:

An accident on I-395 North at Duke Street is blocking the right shoulder. It involves multiple vehicles, and traffic approaching this area will likely slow down thanks to rubber-necking, so expect delays.

Police are responding to an accident on northbound DC-295 at Pennsylvania Avenue

7:56 A.M. Update:

Blue and Orange line riders heading to Vienna might experience delays due to a sick customer at the Potomac Avenue station.

7:45 A.M. Update:

I-66 East is pretty backed up approaching the Beltway, with several spots of delays between Centreville and getting inside the Beltway. Expect delays.

7:35 A.M. Update:

An accident on eastbound Georgetown Pike/VA 193 at Centrillion Drive in McLean is blocking the eastbound lanes, so avoid that area.

7:30 A.M. Update:

The disabled vehicle on the outer loop of the Beltway at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is still creating potential delays there, though it’s unclear if the shoulder remains blocked.

7:15 A.M. Update:

A disabled vehicle on the outer loop of the Beltway at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is blocking the left shoulder.

7 A.M. Update:

The accident on the inner loop of the Beltway after Pennsylvania Avenue has been cleared, as has the debris on eastbound U.S. 50.

MARC riders: The waiting room at the Aberdeen station is not accessible due to a problem with the automatic door lock. You can buy a ticket on the train (cash only) without a penalty fee.

6:45 A.M. Update:

An accident on the inner loop of the Beltway after Pennsylvania Avenue is blocking one of the shoulders.

Some debris on eastbound U.S. 50 at U.S. 301 could create delays there.

Metro reports that normal service has resumed on the Blue Line following the earlier delays between Addison Road and Stadium-Armory.

6:35 A.M. Update:

The Foggy Bottom entrance escalators are working again.

The Red Line delays appear to have cleared. Blue Line delays linger due to the earlier disabled train at Benning Road, but there doesn’t seem to be single-tracking on that line.

6:24 A.M. Update:

There are delays on the Red Line due to Glenmont due to a train malfunction at Shady Grove.

And there are still some Blue Line delays due to the earlier train malfunction at Benning Road.

6:10 A.M. Update:

Normal Orange Line service has resumed between Stadium-Armory and Cheverly, per Metro. Blue Line delays remain and the Foggy Bottom entrance escalators are still out.

Original Post:

Good morning, commuters! We’ll be keeping an eye on the roads and rails this morning, reporting any delays or issues — and we will need your help.

If you see or hear about any congestion, delays or problems, tell us in the comments section below or by tweeting @drgridlock.

More showers and heavy rain could hit on Tuesday, which could lead to spots of flash flooding and ensuing delays, according to the Capital Weather Gang. Be careful out there in areas where it has already rained or if it is raining. And remember to use caution if you come to a flooded area. Don’t try to drive through it; turn around and find another option.

And remember, school resumes today in Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. Watch for additional traffic around schools in those areas and be careful around bus stops.

More than that, this marks the first day after the Labor Day weekend, which means this is the first day when everyone who was on vacation is likely back. The roads will be more crowded, the congestion heavier and the traffic returning to pre-summer levels (in areas lucky enough to see congestion decrease over the summer months).

So far:

— Blue and Orange Line trains are delayed in both directions due to single tracking. Orange Line trains are sharing a track between Stadium-Armory and Cheverly due to track work, while Blue Line trains are single-tracking between Addison Road and Stadium-Armory due to a disabled train at Benning Road.

— In addition, the Foggy Bottom Metro entrance escalators are all down due to a mechanical problem. The station is still open and shuttle buses have been requested.

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